Planning a trip to bustling Boston? This is a city bursting with cultural and historical treasures, not to mention incredible food – but that’s a whole other blog.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to interesting and fun things to see and do in Boston. The only challenge will be fitting everything in.
If you only have a few days, here’s a shortlist of the best things to see in Boston so you can plan your itinerary:
The Freedom Trail
If you’re short on time, think of this as the sightseeing fast-track. The Freedom Trail is made up of 16 must-see historical sites, from the Boston Tea Party site to the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest ship still afloat. There’s also the Old North Church, the oldest church in Boston and the site that launched the American Revolution.
You can even take a guided tour for all the historical info and context you need to know. And don’t forget that Boston is a pretty walkable city, so you may be able to do a good chunk of it on foot spread over a day or two.
Museum of Fine Arts
The fourth-largest museum in the US is an absolute must-see if you have any interest in the arts. It’s enormous, with a collection of 500,000+ pieces of art, jewellery, sculpture and much more from all over the world.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is also well worth a stop-off, where you’ll find rare books, paintings and ancient treasures inside a gorgeous building modelled after a Venetian Palace.
Fenway Park
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you need to at least set eyes on this iconic stadium if you’re in Boston. It’s the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, and has been the home of the Red Sox since 1912. Catch a game or take a tour – either is a fun afternoon out.
Boston Common and Public Garden
This beautiful green space in downtown Boston is believed to be one of America’s oldest public parks, with a history dating back to 1634.
Spread over 50 acres, Boston Common boasts lots of family-friendly activities, especially if you’re lucky enough to get a warm, sunny day. You can stroll along walking paths, admire willow trees draping over ponds, feed the ducks, ride a swan boat or picnic near beds of blooming tulips.
And just across the street, there’s the Boston Public Garden – the first botanical garden in the US, established in 1837.
Boston Harbour
For fantastic views of the city’s skyline, head to Boston Waterfront. You can stroll along the Harborwalk, starting at the New England Aquarium for the best views. Or you can hop on a boat tour, whether it’s a sightseeing cruise or even a whale watching trip.
Want to discover the real Boston? Once you’ve ticked off the tourist hotspots, let us find you unique things to see and do in this incredible city.